Bozzuto

Deborah Dawson

Deborah Dawson is an accomplished safety professional with extensive experience across commercial, residential, and government construction projects. Holding notable certifications such as CSP, CHST, and STSC, she demonstrates a driven and detail-oriented approach to her work. She has effectively managed programs in accordance with EM385, OSHA 1926, and specific company regulations. Deborah collaborates closely with clients to prioritize safety while concurrently meeting construction objectives. She firmly believes that the safety and well-being of every employee should be paramount, ensuring they return home safe and unharmed each day.

What role do safety inspections and audits play in ensuring compliance with occupational safety standards?

Safety inspections and audits play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with occupational safety and health standards because they are used to analyze risks and hazards in the workplace and mitigate those risks. Audits are used to evaluate how effective a company’s safety program is. We can identify gaps in the program and then determine the need for additional training and areas for improvement.

Can you share examples of successful initiatives or programs you’ve implemented to reduce workplace injuries and promote a safety culture?

Some of the safety initiatives I have worked on and helped to implement previously include a 100% percent glove policy. This is about ensuring that the workers have the correct type of glove for their task, to protect their hands. Other safety initiatives are pre-task meetings in the morning before starting work. The foreman meets with the crew prior to starting work and conducts a pre-task, or safe plan of action where they discuss all the steps of their work, what the hazards are, and ways to prevent those. This ensures that they are planning the work, and then working the plan. That helps to identify problems and issues and to eliminate incidents. Another initiative is the Hazard Identification Reporting Program. That’s a user-friendly reporting system where a text notification system is utilized. Employees can text in to report any unsafe conditions. This ensures that unsafe conditions are handled promptly. A few other examples that we’ve done, include a safety incentive program. We use that to recognize employees and motivate them to participate in safety initiatives. We have done individual recognition programs for those going above and beyond. I have previously implemented a safety committee, where we meet and then walk the project. This is a good learning experience for each person on the committee to learn about jobsite safety and to create more awareness. The members of the committee share what we discuss with their coworkers. One final initiative is to “Stop the Drop.” This initiative requires that all contractors working from a height or on a leading edge to use tool tethers.

"Hazard Identification Reporting Program is a userfriendly reporting system where text notification is utilized. Employees can text to report any unsafe conditions. This ensures that unsafe conditions are handled more quickly"

What are the key challenges or opportunities in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS)?

Some new opportunities are with digital technology; we can do so much more than before. However, you have to know how to properly use all that data to be successful and implement it into your existing systems. There are remote monitoring systems, AI for risk assessments, and incident reporting. Virtual reality is a newer tool that can be used for training. Since COVID, we now have more opportunities for online training.

What are some of the most common causes of workplace accidents or injuries, and how do you prevent them from occurring?

Some of the most common causes of accidents and injuries are slips, trips, and falls. So, training employees to be aware of their area within a 10-foot circle of what’s around them is crucial. Housekeeping is essential, as well as making sure they’re cleaning up as they go and maintaining walk paths with at least three feet of clearance. Also, in orientation, we talk to employees about making sure they are checking their travel path before moving materials and, if they are working with someone, to make sure they are communicating with that person as well. Other causes of accidents and injuries we see are sprains and strains. For that, teaching people how to lift correctly with the legs, not the back is important. Use mechanical means when available and obtaining help. Cuts and lacerations are another major cause of accidents and injuries that we see, so training employees on the proper hand and body placement is critical. Ensuring they have the correct gloves and teach them to cut away from themselves.

As a regional safety manager with experience in OSHA compliance, what advice would you offer someone just starting in this field?

My advice would be to learn as much as you can, be visible and an available resource to people. Obtain training if needed and stay current. Work on communication skills such as speaking and presenting. Be the example for people that you want to see, and remember to praise employees with positive reinforcement when they are working safely.